OpenPDF vs WeasyPrint: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will compare the key differences between OpenPDF and WeasyPrint, two popular libraries used for generating PDF documents. Both libraries have their own features and strengths, which makes them suitable for different scenarios. Understanding these differences can help in making an informed decision when choosing between them for PDF generation in web applications.

1. Architecture: OpenPDF is a Java library that allows developers to create and manipulate PDF documents. It is based on the iText library and provides a comprehensive set of features for PDF generation. On the other hand, WeasyPrint is a Python library that uses the CSS Paged Media Module and HTML/CSS to generate PDF documents. It focuses on providing a simple and intuitive way to convert web pages to PDF format.

2. Language Support: OpenPDF is primarily designed for Java applications, offering a wide range of APIs and functionalities specific to the Java language. It provides extensive support for Java classes, interfaces, and methods, making it suitable for Java-centric projects. WeasyPrint, on the other hand, supports Python and can be easily integrated with Python web frameworks like Django and Flask. It leverages Python's rich libraries and ecosystem for web development.

3. Rendering Engine: OpenPDF uses a built-in rendering engine to generate PDF documents, which provides fine-grained control over the rendering process. It supports advanced features like font embedding, image manipulation, and vector graphics. WeasyPrint, on the other hand, utilizes web browsers' rendering engines like Blink and Gecko to render web pages and convert them into PDF format. This enables it to accurately reproduce complex web page layouts, CSS styles, and content.

4. CSS Support: OpenPDF supports limited CSS styles and properties, focusing more on PDF-specific formatting and layout options. It provides basic support for font styles, colors, tables, and images, but may not fully render complex CSS layouts. WeasyPrint, on the other hand, has excellent support for CSS, including advanced features like page breaks, floats, media queries, and print-specific styles. It can accurately render web pages with intricate CSS designs and produce visually appealing PDF documents.

5. Ease of Use: OpenPDF provides a comprehensive API for PDF generation, offering fine-grained control over the document creation process. However, it requires a fair amount of coding and configuration to generate PDF documents. WeasyPrint, on the other hand, follows a more declarative approach, allowing developers to specify PDF generation using HTML and CSS. This makes it easier to generate PDFs, especially for developers familiar with web technologies.

6. Integration and Community: OpenPDF has been around for a longer time and has a strong user community. It is well-documented and has a large number of code examples and tutorials available. WeasyPrint, although relatively newer, also has an active community and provides extensive documentation and support. It benefits from the Python ecosystem and is compatible with popular web frameworks, making it easier to integrate into existing projects.

In Summary, OpenPDF is a Java-based PDF library with a comprehensive set of features and fine-grained control over PDF generation, while WeasyPrint is a Python library that focuses on rendering web pages to PDF, with excellent CSS support and an easier integration process. Choosing between them depends on the project requirements, language preferences, and level of CSS complexity required for PDF generation.